Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or waterlogged.
- Check the bottom of the pot to ensure water is draining freely.
- Gently pull the plant from the pot to inspect the roots for mushiness.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and wilt even though the soil is wet. The base of the stem may feel mushy or look dark and discolored.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots with clean scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and ensure the container has drainage holes.
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil surface remains damp for many days, and the plant shows signs of stress despite frequent watering. You might notice a sour or musty smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Adjust your schedule to water every 5 to 7 days instead of every 3 days.
Find out what's wrong with your cut-leaved crane's-bill
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the roots are mostly black and fall apart when touched, the plant is likely too far gone to save. If only a few roots are affected, you can usually save the plant with prompt care.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a well draining potting mix and never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your cut-leaved crane's-bill healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove all the damaged roots, the plant can recover with fresh soil and careful watering.
- How often should I water to prevent this?
- Check the soil moisture with your finger and only water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
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- Why are my cut-leaved crane's-bill leaves curling?
Back to the cut-leaved crane's-bill guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.